Philly’s New Tallest

So what is there to say about this historic, groundbreaking building? As I’ve said numerous times, “Architecture>Height” So the height gets approval in my book. But as for the architecture itself…

It has full approval by me. Especiliy the architect, Lord Norman Foster, who did multiple excellent skyscrapers like 30 St Mary Axe in London or 2 World Trade Center under construction in New York. This is a great building. It’s not as good looking as leading skyscrapers One Liberty Place or 3 Logan Square, but still a good looking building. It’s final height of 1,121 feet is excellent, making it the tallest building in America outside New York and Chicago. It is not as tall as some other skyscrapers that are well known. It is near 50 feet shorter than Chicago’s famed John Hancock Center, and roughly 125 shorter than the Empire State Building. It will pass Atlanta’s Bank of America Plaza as the tallest building outside NY or Chicago. Under construction is Los Angeles’ Wilshire Grand Tower, which will also not be as tall as Comcast Innovations.

The design itself has my approval. It’s exterior is kind of thin, but not as much as these evil skinny skyscrapers popping up around the world. The gray beams around the exterior are reminiscent of Foster’s Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, or IM Pei’s Bank of China in the same city. The spire is a good feature. The skyline still looks good with it. Mellon Bank may be blocked from the Art Museum, but the beloved view from the river will have little change.

But one last thing. 59 floors. That’s 19 feet a floor. Not as ridiculous as the American Commerce Center at the same spot, but still. 19 feet?

But it will also have an effect on the economy. It’s 1.2 Billion (1,200,000,000!) dollar price tag is big. Not as big as the World Trade Center’s $4,200,000,000 tag, but still expensive nonetheless. Obviously the building will be mainly offices. But also, the top 15 floors will become the Four Seasons Hotel. If I could stay 1,121 feet up, I totally would. It has many “Sky lobbies” in the office space, with a large atrium in the office space. Nice place to do work, if you ask me. I wouldn’t know, but still. They will get revenue from 4,000 jobs, and all the people having to park or take public transit, and from shops and restaurants and whatnot.

A few other things… the top…. the article says…. One line appears, and I quote…. “Featuring a 360-degree view of the city, the eatery will be open to the public” I cannot put into words how good this is. I can go see Philly from 1,121 feet up now, and I’m thrilled. I’ve been high on Comcast (long before this site came to be), but this… this is going to be the view to look for.

But there are a few questions to be raised. Will they build it? More likely than these, but my money is on this one. With Foster’s name behind the project, that alone can be a drive behind this. Comcast is also richer than anyone else, so they can afford it. And also, what’s the most profitable industries in the world? Tech. Exactly. This site also spawned from all that. Question 2; what will become of the Four Seasons Hotel at Logan Circle. I don’t know. The last thing I want is the fountain or some of its beloved buildings in the shadows CI&TC won’t do that, that’s for dang sure, but Logan Circle needs sunshine and warmth. I don’t really know what will happen to the building, but demolition is unlikely. Question 3; what will happen to Comcast Center’s beloved Christmas show? Probably stay, but you never know.

None of this will be finished until 2017, so nothing much to worry about, or get too excited about.